Guided by Artificial Intelligence: Insights from U.S. Civilian and Military Leaders on Strengthening the Workforce

List of Key Chapter Titles

1. Classification of AI Application Risks and Their Impact on Workforce Application
2. The Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem
3. Rapidly Developing Chatbots for Employee Training and Support
4. AI Applications in Doctor-Patient Communication and Workforce Burden Reduction in Healthcare
5. Application of AI Tools in Common Human Resource Management Tasks
6. Navigating the AI Landscape: Selecting the Right Tool for the Job
7. Upskilling and Retraining for AI Application in the Federal Workforce
8. Strategies for Higher Education Institutions to Address Barriers in AI Workforce Development
9. Application of Artificial Intelligence in Military Leadership Development Frameworks
10. Retention Strategies for AI-Skilled Talent in the Federal Workforce
11. Can the Domestic AI Talent Pool Meet Public Sector Demands
12. Identifying Resilient Skills in an AI-Augmented Economy

Document Introduction

Artificial intelligence is profoundly impacting the U.S. civilian and military workforce through job displacement, capability enhancement, and the demand for large-scale upskilling. The Biden Administration's October 2023 Executive Order on AI emphasized the commitment to upskilling the federal workforce in AI understanding, application, and deployment. Multiple federal agencies and the Department of Defense have issued relevant guidance documents, and Congress is also exploring the impact of AI advancements on various workforces.

This report aims to serve as a reference for policymakers and leaders responsible for cultivating AI application capabilities among civilian and military personnel. It compiles empirical research findings from RAND Corporation's interdisciplinary experts, covering core issues, challenges, and actionable insights at both technical and organizational levels. Through an essay format, the report systematically explores key issues in AI and workforce integration, providing comprehensive support for institutions to effectively integrate AI technology and enhance personnel's AI-related skills.

The research adopted a cross-domain expert collaboration model, with researchers from diverse backgrounds contributing concise articles focused on AI workforce readiness. These underwent editorial selection, peer review, and feedback optimization to ensure content quality and policy relevance. The report's data and analysis are based on RAND's long-term research accumulation in education, workforce, homeland security, and defense, combined with federal government AI-related policy documents, industry practice cases, and academic research findings.

Key findings cover four major dimensions: In AI and workforce integration, a multi-dimensional risk classification framework encompassing technology, ethics, law, and more is proposed, clarifying the skill requirements for different roles within the AI ecosystem. At the application scenario level, it demonstrates the practical value and application principles of AI technologies like chatbots and HR tools across multiple fields. In the education and training domain, it emphasizes the adaptive reform of existing training systems, collaboration between higher education and industry, and pathways for AI integration in military education. Regarding talent development, it proposes specific directions for retention strategies for AI-skilled talent, building a diverse talent pool, and cultivating resilient skills.

These insights provide federal agencies, the military, and related educational institutions with a systematic action guide, helping to build a resilient, diverse, and efficient workforce adapted to the AI era, and promoting AI technology to maximize its value in areas such as improving public service quality and enhancing defense capabilities.